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meme

How to Pronounce "meme"

The correct pronunciation of "meme" is MEEM /miːm/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "may-may" habit for good.

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meme

/miːm/
noun

A humorous image, video, or idea that spreads rapidly online.

MEEM
Stress: One syllable.

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Tap play to hear “meme”, then say it aloud and get a free instant clarity check with your microphone.
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The Indian-English Mistake: "may-may" — and the Fix

AspectCommon in India (incorrect)Correct
Sounds likeSaying "may-may", "meh-meh", or "mee-mee" in two syllables.MEEM /miːm/
StressOften on the wrong syllableOne syllable.

How Do You Pronounce "meme"?

"meme" is pronounced MEEM /miːm/. The stress is on the one syllable. As a noun, it means a humorous image, video, or idea that spreads rapidly online.

One syllable that rhymes with "team" — a single long "ee" sound, not two beats.

Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.

Say "meme" Step by Step

Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.

1

Break it into syllables

MEEM — say each part slowly and separately first.

2

Stress the right part

One syllable. Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.

3

Nail the key sound

One syllable that rhymes with "team" — a single long "ee" sound, not two beats.

4

Blend and repeat

Now say "meme" at normal speed: MEEM. Record yourself and compare.

Minimal-Pair Drills for "meme" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)

Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.

1

say team → deem → meem

One long 'ee' sound, rhyming with 'team'.

2

NOT may-may — MEEM

One syllable only — never two beats or an 'ay' vowel.

3

At speed: that meme went viral overnight

A single beat: MEEM, like 'dream'.

Why "meme" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It

Why this happens

The double "e" and unfamiliar look lead many Indian speakers to split it into two beats or use an "ay" vowel.

Tip: Say one beat that rhymes with "team" and "dream": MEEM.

Hear “meme” in a Sentence

Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.

That meme went viral overnight.

He shares a meme every morning.

This is my favourite meme this week.

Words Related to "meme"

Related: theme

Same long "ee" sound: THEEM.

Now say it inside a sentence

Getting "meme" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce "meme" in Indian English?

"meme" is pronounced MEEM /miːm/. The stress is on the one syllable. The common Indian rendering "may-may" is incorrect.

What is the most common mistake when saying "meme"?

Saying "may-may", "meh-meh", or "mee-mee" in two syllables. Say one beat that rhymes with "team" and "dream": MEEM.

Why do Indian English speakers find "meme" hard to pronounce?

The double "e" and unfamiliar look lead many Indian speakers to split it into two beats or use an "ay" vowel. Say one beat that rhymes with "team" and "dream": MEEM.

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